The Philippines was re-elected to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council under Category “C” during the 26th Session of the IMO Assembly held on November 27, Philippine Ambassador to London Antonio M. Lagdameo reported.

The Philippines obtained 124 votes and placed fifth in a field of 26 candidate-states vying for 20 seats. It has been a member of the IMO since 1964, and started serving in the Council in 1997.

Category “C” is composed of states which have special interests in maritime transport or navigation, and whose election to the Council will ensure the representation of all major geographic areas of the world.

The other countries elected in Category “C” are Singapore, Turkey, Cyprus, Indonesia, Malta, Egypt, Nigeria, Malaysia, South Africa, Chile, Mexico, Denmark, Bahamas, Kenya, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Australia, Jamaica, Belgium, and Thailand.

Noting that Filipinos account for more than 20 percent of the world’s maritime manpower, Ambassador Lagdameo said, “The IMO shall always be an important international organization where the Philippines intends to be active. As the primary source of globally competitive seafarers, we have to be in the IMO Council in order to advocate for better treatment and conditions for the world’s seafarers.”

The Philippines has been widely recognized as the voice of the seafarers.

“Our re-election to the Council would not have been possible without the support and trust given by an overwhelming number of governments represented in IMO for which we shall always be grateful,” he added.

The IMO Assembly is expected to conclude its session by December 4 after reviewing all the recommendations submitted by its various committees and sub-committees.

Its primary committee, the Maritime Safety Committee, is chaired by Filipino diplomat Neil Frank Ferrer.

The IMO is the United Nation’s specialized agency on maritime issues. Its primary purpose is to develop and maintain a comprehensive regulatory framework for shipping and its remit today includes safety, environmental concerns, legal matters, technical co-operation, maritime security and the efficiency of shipping.